During searches in March, federal agents seized 53 million glass vials, 78 pounds of cutting agents typically used to dilute heroin and cocaine, 30 scales and $230,609 in cash.

Two of the Baltimore stores that sold the paraphernalia were New York Exchange in the 1800 block of Pennsylvania Ave. and New York Connection in the 5100 block of Park Heights Ave.

Boris Peters, Vadim Peters and Igor Volshonok each pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sale of drug paraphernalia. The Peters brothers primarily ran the wholesale operation, and Volshonok ran the New York Connection, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Harvey Eisenberg.

U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis will sentence the men Dec. 14. They face penalties ranging from probation to three years in prison.

Agents from numerous federal agencies -- including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service and FBI -- worked on the investigation with Maryland State Police, and Baltimore County and City police.